The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: 6 Places to Shop for Cute Vegan Wedges

I've recently promised myself to start wearing heels more because I think it really balances out my frame, and, of course, I feel a little bit prettier. I've discovered that wedges are the most doable shoes for me, but I am a semi-vegan and won't wear leather, and finding wedges that look expensive and are well made that aren't leather has proven difficult. … Any suggestions? —Samantha K.

Most of the shoes you'll find at affordable retailers like Target and Payless are made from synthetic materials, good news for stylish vegans who don't wear leather! And you're right to seek out wedge styles - they'll give you a little lift without killing your feet. The increased surface area of a wedge heel (versus a stiletto's tiny point) means your weight is more evenly distributed - and that means less pain. Now that we've had our physics lesson of the day, here's a round-up of six great places to shop for affordable and fashionable vegan shoes.

1. Target is every fashionista's favorite for cheap-chic shoes. Just be sure to check the inside of the shoe to see what material it's made of, as Target does occasionally carry genuine leather styles. This wedge by Merona is a great option for a casual work environment and will look great with skirts or jeans. The peep-toe and cut-outs should help your foot breathe, too.



2. Payless is another great place for budget veganistas to score the latest shoe trends at super low prices. I'm in love with these espadrille wedges with faux-leather trim, they remind me of Tory Burch. I can totally picture cool girls rocking these with opaque tights in the fall, too.



3. Kohl's is another hotspot for vegan-friendly footwear. In fact, a friend of mine who is vegan just purchased these Simply Vera Vera Wang wedges (on sale for $27.99), and she loves them. The sleek black slingback is edgy while the cutouts add a sweet touch.



4. Famous Footwear is another store that carries a wide assortment of vegan shoes, and chances are there's one in your area so you can try before you buy. These wedges by The Sweet Life remind me of DV by Dolce Vita's "Pila" wedges, an uber popular look that you can wear with just about everything all summer long.



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5. Chinese Laundry has an entire section of their website devoted to vegan shoes, making it easier than ever to find what you're looking for. You'll find styles like the "Double Twist" that look luxe, not plastic-y. Look for Chinese Laundry shoes at stores like DSW, Marshall's and T.J. Maxx (which are also great places to buy cute vegan shoes).



6. JCPenney has a sizable shoe department with plenty of vegan options, from trend-conscious brands like Olsenboye and Aldo Group's new line Call It Spring. These Olsenboye wedges remind me of Stuart Weitzman's popular "Alex" espadrilles, but cost a fraction of the price.



Comments
thank you for this post! I'm always on the lookout for cute vegan shoes and have had consistent luck at Payless. I often find a range of Chinese Laundry styles at Marshalls & TJ Maxx.
#1 mary (Homepage) on 2011-06-02 19:57 (Reply)
I just got the ones from Payless in white and denim. Very cute shoes and light. Not heavy like some espadrilles.
#2 Tracie on 2011-06-03 18:25 (Reply)
I found this post via Sal at Already Pretty. I was just contemplating that I needed a new pair of vegan wedges for an outdoor wedding I'm going to next weekend. Now my closet features a black pair of the Merona wedges. Thanks for the appropriate and timely post!
#3 mbbored on 2011-06-04 13:47 (Reply)
After seeing this post the other day I went straight to Payless.com to get those woven/brown/cream wedges. A steal on sale plus a 15% off coupon I found. Made it to right before "submit order" but in the end I resisted...hoping to find them in-store first. Thank you for sharing the great find!
#4 Jean (Homepage) on 2011-06-04 20:34 (Reply)
Those Famous Footwear ones have a Target version as well (may be close to hard to find in some sizes, especially in store) - Mossimo Pilar. They are also cheaper. I just purchased them last week, and I love them.
#5 aloix on 2011-06-05 14:31 (Reply)
If anyone searching for the target ones my store clearanced them awhile ago. Went super cheap like 6 bucks.
#6 Maddie on 2011-06-11 02:04 (Reply)
Don't forget Alternative Outfitters Vegan Boutique! They've got lovely wedge shoes this summer, many of them on sale right now.
#7 Marisa (Homepage) on 2012-05-05 04:41 (Reply)
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